Sore gums may be caused by teething in young children, or by burns, canker sores, bacterial infections or gingivitis in adults. If you notice sore gums, make a dentist appointment immediately. Your dentist can determine the cause of your sore gums and how serious the condition is. If it's OK with your dentist, you can use home remedies to help reduce the pain and irritation of gum soreness.
Saltwater
Prepare a saltwater solution to rinse out your mouth, recommends Leslie Salkin, D.D.S., director of postgraduate periodontics and professor of periodontology at the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. Place 1 tsp. of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and carefully swish the liquid around your gums one mouthful at a time. Swishing with saltwater will help soothe the gums and draw liquid out of any abscesses on your gums that are causing pain.
Cold Washcloth
If your baby is teething and suffering from sore gums, rinse a washcloth in cold water, then wring it out. Allow your child to chew on the washcloth, or place the washcloth against the sensitive gum area, suggests the Mayo Clinic. If gums are sore due to wisdom teeth or molars growing in, chewing on a wet washcloth may be effective in soothing gum pain for adults, too. If the teeth and gums are sensitive to the gums, rinse the washcloth with lukewarm water instead.
Cold Teabag
Chewing on a cold teabag may help reduce sore gum pain due to canker sores and other mouth sores. Rinse a teabag with cold water, then place the teabag directly on the sore area of the gums. Tea contains tannins, which may act as a pain reliever, while the cold temperature may help reduce swelling.
Baking Soda
Rub baking soda on the gum line, recommends Samuel Low, D.D.S., associate professor and director of graduate periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste. Apply a small amount of paste directly to the irritated gums to help numb the pain and kill bacteria that may be causing discomfort. Too much baking soda may cause gum irritation. Discontinue use if the baking soda causes gum irritation.
